In a world of really good, but really boring SUVs, this week I bring you an exciting and beautiful SUV, the Alfa Romeo Tonale (rhymes with Denali). My review SUV this week is a special edition model, the Tributo Italiano, and as you may have guessed, that translates to Italian Tribute. This is a modern take of Italian-styling combined with modern technology, without straying too far away from Alfa Romeo roots.
As Alfa Romeo transitions to an all-electric future (we’ll see if that actually happens) this SUV is a plug-in hybrid, which I always say is a really good bridge to those who are considering taking the leap to fully-electric transportation. This system is fairly complicated, but so far, the system is seamless and works really well.
Powertrain
A 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is aided by an electric motor on the rear axle. Combined they put out 285-horses and a strong 347 pound-feet of torque, more than enough to get this smallish SUV moving in a hurry.
It has a six-speed automatic transmission with large, fixed shift paddles to heighten your driving fun. A 15.5-kWh battery has enough power for 33-miles of electric-only driving, although that could drop in extreme hot or cold weather. Once the pure battery power is depleted and the gas engine kicks in, expect 360 miles of range, not bad considering the gas tank only holds 11.2 gallons of gas. Fully charging the battery after being depleted took just over 2.5 hours using the 240-volt Level 2 charger that is in my garage at home. This Tonale is also all-wheel drive.
Exterior
The exterior of the Tonale is attractive with the classic Alfa triangular grill, the stunning 3+3 LED headlights, and the very sharp-looking LED lighting in the rear.
Always proud of its emblem, designers built the hood around the emblem. It has beautiful 20” five-hole wheels, red brake calipers, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust with chrome tips.
This special edition features a beautiful Verde Fangio Metallic (green) paint job.
Interior
The surprise came with the very driver-focused interior that is truly luxurious with comfortable leather seats that are heated and power on both sides. The seats are bolstered and have perforated small holes in the leather that show some red in them. It is quite fetching. The headrests sport the Alfa Romeo logo and in script it says Tributo Italiano.
Like all Alfas, the start button is attached to the left side of the flat-bottomed, heated steering wheel. As you start the car, you’ll see a huge 12.3” digital gauge cluster that is easy to read and quite colorful. It can be configured from the attractive steering wheel.
Center dash up high is a 10.25” infotainment screen that operates the sound system, climate controls, navigation system, Bluetooth, and vehicle settings. This is also where you operate the wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
There are also performance pages, and pages to monitor the power to the drive train and gives you stats on the hybrid battery use. The Tonale also features Alexa voice command, and it works extremely well, you can ask her anything. I’ve been a big fan of the Stellantis infotainment system, and this Uconnect 5 system does not disappoint.
The center console has a built-in phone charger, and this is where you change the DNA drive modes, and each one changes the Tonale noticeably. The D is for dynamic, of course my favorite, N is for neutral which is normal driving, and A is for Advanced Efficiency if you want a less responsive feel but want to maximize fuel economy.
Back seat room is fairly small, but was larger than I expected, and headroom is good for all occupants, even with a panoramic moon roof. Rear seat occupants get air conditioning vents and USB ports, along with a fold down armrest. Cargo area is actually quite good and has a retractable cover to hide valuables. There is storage underneath the load floor and there is 12-volt power back there as well.
Standard Features
This Tonale trim comes completely loaded with the power panoramic moonroof with a power sliding cover, ambient lighting, a power hands-free tailgate, aluminum pedals, remote start, a terrific Harmon-Kardon sound system,
Safety
On the safety front, my test vehicle has forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot warning, front and rear parking system, active driving assist, park assist, driver attention alert, cross-path detection, traffic sign recognition, and a surround-view camera with good definition.
Options
Options include the beautiful green paint that will set you back $2,200. Option package 28Y runs $2,000 and includes active driving assist (semi-self-driving), automatic-dimming rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and the park assist system. The power moon roof runs $1,400.
Ride and Drive
The Tonale has terrific handling and a nice ride. Acceleration is very good on this over 4,100-pound SUV, and it was surprisingly quiet inside.
As always, the plus of plug-in hybrids is if you have a short commute, you’ll never use any gasoline, but unlike an all-electric car, you can head across the country on the gas engine.
Fuel economy is rated at 77-MPGe, and when running on gasoline-only, it will do 29-miles per gallon combined.
What You'll Pay
Total MSRP on this luxury, special edition SUV is $59,630, which is in-line with competitor plug-in hybrids. If you lease it, the Tonale qualifies for the $7,500 Federal tax credit.
- What I Liked Most: The driving characteristics, the interior and exterior looks, and fuel economy.
- What I would change: Air conditioned seats as standard equipment would be a nice touch.
- MSRP: $51,995 base price/as equipped $59,630 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 77-MPGe, 29 combined on gasoline only.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,100 miles.
- Weight: 4,133 pounds/5,335 pound GVWR.
- Spare tire: Inflator kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 178” long/72” wide/63” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.2 gallons with the filler on the passenger side, charging port is on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- Official Color: Verde Fangio Metallic.
- 2025 Tonale in a few words: The Italians did it right: great styling, modern technology, capability, and superb performance.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 8-year/100,000 mile hybrid battery warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Pomigliano, Italy.
- Manufacturer's website: Alfa Romeo
To view larger photos see a slideshow on CarPro.com.
